Arranging clothing in your closet is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to getting organized. This is usually because most of us have tons of clothing we need to access every day. While some aspects of closet organization are self-explanatory—like putting shoes on racks—figuring out how to arrange all your T-shirts or sweaters can be more challenging. So, what’s really best? Arranging by color, season, or something else? Hint: it’s all about prioritizing what you wear regularly, based on the season. Here’s how a professional organizer tackles one of the trickiest aspects of home organization.
Start by Decluttering
The fewer items you have in your closet, the easier it will be to organize. So don’t start rearranging until you’ve decluttered first. Begin by getting rid of anything that’s damaged, stained, has holes, or simply cannot be repaired. Then donate or give away clothing that no longer fits your body or style (we evolve as people, and often our style does too). If you’re no longer in your prairie-dress era, it’s OK to find new homes for those pieces.
Additionally, try and find new homes for clothing that no longer makes sense to keep. For example, if you live in a tropical climate, it probably doesn’t make sense to hold onto a large collection of ski sweaters. Narrow it down, especially if your closet feels cramped.
Determine What Really Needs to Be in Your Closet
The first step in arranging your closet is to determine what really needs to be stored there, according to Emily Preciado-Fonseca, professional organizer. “Formalwear, resort wear, and seasonal items should only be in the closet if you have space,” she says. “Otherwise, place them in bins or space-saver bags that can help you store items more compactly.”
However, this can be highly personal. If you attend formal events for work every month, you may want to keep your formalwear in your bedroom closet. “Commonly used items should be easily accessible,” Preciado-Fonseca explains. She also notes that not everything needs to go in your closet; some items, such as cotton tops and activewear, are better stored in drawers. “These items can be folded and placed elsewhere as needed.”
Lastly, if you have closets at home that aren’t frequently used (like one in your home office or guest room) don’t hesitate to use those spaces to store off-season items like swimwear in the winter and coats during the summer.
Start by Categorizing
Once you’ve decided what belongs in your closet, Preciado-Fonseca advises categorizing everything. “Sort items by tops, bottoms, outerwear, dresses or suits, activewear, and jeans (if you have lots of pairs).”
Keep Items That Go Together Near Each Other
Remember that practicality is key. Preciado-Fonseca suggests keeping tops and bottoms near each other. “Tops are sorted by color, then by sleeve length (sleeveless to long sleeve),” she explains. “The same applies to bottoms: first by type, then by color (casual, activewear, business, etc.).”
For dresses, she recommends sorting by type first. “You don’t always need your more formal pieces or business wear; once you have established your categories (consider formal, business, and everyday), then sort by color and length.”
You should also categorize your outerwear, especially if you live in a colder climate that requires lots of options. Preciado-Fonseca says it’s best to sort by type, then by color. “Think about what you’ll reach for depending on the day: light jackets, vests, puffers, long coats, raincoats, and denim.”
Remember That Not Everything Needs to Go on a Hanger
While you might be tempted to put everything on a hanger for simplicity, some items are better placed on hooks or folded and shelved, depending on how your closet is designed. For example, instead of putting belts on a hanger, consider hanging them on hooks inside your closet. This also applies to jeans and sweaters—instead of hanging these pieces, fold them and stack them on shelves if you have extra shelf space but limited room on your closet bar.